Oncology

About the Service

The mission of the Oncology Service is to help animals with cancer achieve longer, happier lives. While a cure is not possible in all instances of cancer, usually some form of therapy can improve the patient’s quality of life.

What We Do

We offer specialized tests for the diagnosis of cancer, including imaging (digital radiography, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear medicine), biopsies, cytology, and flow cytometry. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, clinical trials may offer innovative diagnostics or treatment options for certain cancer types. Consultation with other services within the hospital allow for management of patients with complicated conditions. The patient’s comfort and well-being are always our top priority. Click here to find out more about Clinical Trials at the college.

Who We Are

The Oncology Service is composed of two medical oncology faculty, one radiation oncology faculty, and one surgeon who has completed a fellowship in surgical oncology. Additionally, four graduate veterinary residents and one intern are training in the specialty of oncology. Five support staff assist in providing patient care: three licensed veterinary technicians and two veterinary assistants.

Ashley Smith, DVM

Dr. Smith received her DVM from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2014. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at the University of Florida in 2015.

Email: aas0042@auburn.edu

Irene Vazquez, DVM

Dr. Vazquez received her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After graduating, Dr. Vasquez completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She has completed an oncology preceptorship with Auburn University in 2015 and returned as an oncology resident.

Keiko Murakami, DVM

Dr. Murakami received her DVM degree from Rakuno Gakuen University in Japan. After several years of working experience, and an oncology fellowship at Michigan State University, she completed an oncology internship at Washington State University, and a radiation oncology residency at Purdue University.

Email: kzm0084@auburn.edu

Oncology Interns

Yoshimi Iwaki, DVM

Dr. Iwaki received her DVM from the Hokkaido University, Japan in 2013. She completed a rotating internship at Hokkaido University and international oncology scholar at Michigan State University.”